KARACHI - The equity market on Thursday witnessed an intense selling pressure by the local institutions due to absence of any positive triggers. The benchmark KSE 100 index closed at 10,455, down by 64 points or 0.6 per cent. Volumes stood at 115 million shares, 3.5pc lower than last day. The market opened on a positive note, as a buying spree was witnessed in OGDC. At one occasion, the scrips price went up by 0.5pc, but was unable to sustain the level and closed at Rs133.13, down by 0.9pc. The result announced by PTC, declaring a cash dividend of Rs1.75 and EPS Rs1.54, had a positive impact on the market for a short span of time. Engro remained under pressure throughout the day, and the share closed at Rs199.93, down by 3.5pc. The KSE 100-index opened in green zone with a gain of 1.34 points and at the end of the day closed at 10454.63 with a loss of 64.39 points. KSE 30-index closed at 10556.86 with a loss of 80.70 points. KMI-30-index closed at 15852.36 with a loss of 21.90 points. All shares index closed at 7358.62 with a loss of 48.20 points. Trading activity was minimal as compared to the last trading session as the ready market volume stands at 114.794m as compared to last trading session 118.897m. Future market volume however stands at 4.616m shares as compared to 4.285m shares last trading session. Market capitalisation stands over Rs 2.959tr, as total trades decreases to 66,973 as compared to last trading session 68,398, while 148 companies advanced, 276 declined and 11 remained unchanged. Highest volumes were witnessed in PTC at 9.151m closed at Rs 21.48 with a gain of Re 0.54 followed by LOTPTA at 7.372m closed at Rs 11.05 with a loss of Re 0.08, JSCL at 6.489m closed at Rs 18.74 with a loss of Rs 1.00. Ahsan Mehanti at Shehzad Chamdia Securities said 'investors remained concerned over rising rift between judiciary and political set-up on administration, resignation of OGDCL chairman, rising circular debt in the energy sector and limited foreign interest played a catalyst role in negative activity at KSE. The immediate remedy to invite depth in the local bourse, is the re-introduction of CFSMKII after making a couple of amendments, needs to be exercised to re-invite fast losing interest of the stake holders in the local bourse, that was once called the best performing market. Hasnain Asghar Ali, a market expert, said 'as the step will certainly improve the strength of the local participants, thus enabling them to trade at improved multiples, whereas reducing the likely impact of CGT implementation, however till such product is re-introduced, recommendation to stay cautious stays.